Xie Lian asked: "...what is it?"

Jun Wu seemed to have some concerns. He pondered for a long time before asking, "What's wrong, Xianle? Why are you suddenly asking about your master? Did you encounter something in Tonglu Mountain? Is it related to him?"

Xie Lian came back to his senses and was about to give a brief explanation before asking more questions when he heard a commotion over there. Jun Wu said, “I saw those three mountain monsters you were talking about. They are indeed strange! I’ll deal with them first and then we’ll talk in detail. However, since you asked, Xianle, remember one thing: your master is not a simple person. If you really meet him, be careful!”

After he finished speaking, the other side fell into silence. Xie Lian asked, “Emperor?”

Jun Wu did not respond. It was difficult to deal with one mountain monster, and it was even more difficult to deal with three monsters. Xie Lian had endless mana and controlled a giant statue of a god before, but he couldn't solve it. Now Jun Wu would need some energy to deal with it alone. After briefly explaining the spiritual communication content to Hua Cheng, the two stopped.

At this moment, they were on a wide and open street. Looking up at the sky, dark clouds covered the moon. They could faintly see wisps of black smoke floating in front of the cold moon, like ink-colored ink spreading in clear water.

Those were the vengeful spirits that Bai Wuxiang had sent from the Wuyong Temple. They hadn't come in yet because the aura of the emperor in the palace and the palaces, temples and temples of various immortals in the imperial city complemented each other, forming a majestic aura. A natural barrier would block such a large number of evil things from the aura, so they could only wander in the sky.

Almost every city has a similar aura, because every place will produce a few extraordinary figures and great priests, so-called outstanding people and beautiful places. However, it is impossible to block it forever. Hua Cheng said: "Just strengthen this layer."

But the question was how to strengthen it? Xie Lian asked, "A spell? A magic weapon?" Then he said, "I'm afraid that won't work."

This is the vengeful spirit covering the entire imperial city. Unless you find thousands of talismans and magic weapons, you may not be able to withstand it. Walking back and forth, Xie Lian gritted his teeth and said, "Sanlang, I have a way, maybe I can strengthen this layer, but... I need people."

Hua Cheng said: "How much?"

Xie Lian said, “A lot. The more the better, at least five hundred.”

Hua Cheng said: "Dead or alive?"

He listened carefully, not joking, Xie Lian said: "Living people. Ghosts won't work. I need to borrow the yang energy and sharpness of living people to repel those evil spirits."

Hua Cheng said: "If that's the case, then it has to be voluntary."

Xie Lian said, “Yes. It must be voluntary, and have the will to fight back and defend. If you are timid or lack the energy, you may be taken advantage of.”

Hua Cheng nodded slightly and said, "Just like the soldiers fighting at the front on the battlefield, they must be the ones who want to win the most and have faith in something. If they are forced into a desperate situation or are determined to escape, they will have no morale and will never win. They will inevitably abandon their weapons and be defeated."

Xie Lian said, “That’s the truth. Can Sanlang find it?”

After thinking for a moment, Hua Cheng said slowly: "Brother, if you want to die, I can find you as many as you want. It's easy to live involuntarily. But it's not necessarily easy to live voluntarily."

After a pause, he continued, "There are indeed many people in the world who worship the Ghost King, but I know that, firstly, they are afraid of me, and secondly, they have something to ask of me, so they are afraid that I will obey them. I can use coercion and inducement, but I am afraid that this method will not be able to find the kind of person you need, brother. Sorry."

Xie Lian listened intently and said, “You don’t have to apologize. Let’s find it together.”

Hua Cheng said: "Yes. But, brother, I have good news. There is a group of living people around the corner fifty steps ahead." @无限好文,全部在Jinjiang文学城

Xie Lian also sensed it, and ran forward to take a look. Coincidentally, there was also a group of people on the other side who were about to turn the corner. They were so frightened by his sudden appearance that they screamed, “Ghost!!!”

Xie Lian took a closer look and recognized the person. He said happily, “Everyone, it’s not a ghost, it’s me!”

That group of monks, Taoists, and laymen all looked very familiar. Wasn't the Taoist in gorgeous clothes at the head the one with the Sky Eye Opening? Wasn't the long line behind them the group of mages who had been harassing them all the way and who were knocked unconscious by the roof of Qi Rong's shady shop in the Desolate Mountains?

Behind Xie Lian, Hua Cheng came up leisurely with his hands behind his back. He was no longer in his childish form, careless and nonchalant. He smiled grimly, frightening Tian Yan Kai and the others so much that they immediately retreated three feet: "You still say it's not a ghost! If it's a ghost, it's a ghost! And it's a ghost king!!!"

Hua Cheng stopped his fake smile and tutted impatiently, not even bothering to comment. Xie Lian was looking for someone now, so he quickly raised his hand: "Everyone, you've come just in time, there's something..."

Unexpectedly, as soon as he raised his hand, the other party's reaction was several times more exaggerated than he imagined. They all fell to the ground, extremely alert, and said, "Be careful of hidden weapons!"

“…”

Xie Lian thought for a long time before he remembered what the so-called "hidden weapon" was. He was speechless for a moment and said, "Don't be afraid. I don't have any hidden weapons on me." The Ice Purity Jade Purity Pill was not so easy to make. Just the knife skills would take a long time to carve. He added, "Besides, last time you forced us into that situation, we didn't do anything to you. Now there is no need for that."

Hearing this, everyone thought that it made sense, and quickly got up from the ground, dusted off the dust, and straightened their clothes, but still kept their distance, and did not put down their Zen sticks, swords, and other magical instruments. Tianyan opened his eyes and said, "I say, Taoist priest, I haven't seen you for a long time, and the evil spirit in you has become more serious. I think it's better for you to turn back as soon as possible. By the way, why is it so serious? I'm not kidding you, I can't even see your face clearly."

“…” Xie Lian felt like blushing when he heard this. He didn’t dare look at Hua Cheng and interrupted, “We’ll talk about this later. Everyone, I observed the sky at night and saw some bad things. Did you see them?”

Tianyan opened his eyes and said, "Of course I saw it! Observing the celestial phenomena at night is our daily homework. I was wondering if some demon or ghost was causing trouble. Could it be the Lord of Huacheng again?"

Xie Lian said, “Of course not, otherwise I wouldn’t have reminded you. We are here for those things as well, and we are trying to find a way to strengthen the aura of the Imperial City.”

Tianyan asked suspiciously, "You guys? Think of a way?"

"Would the Ghost King be so kind?"

Hua Cheng smiled and said, "It's not that I'm kind, but if I want to do something in the Imperial City, this aura can't stop me at all."

The expressions of the magicians were unpredictable. Xie Lian knew that it was not easy to let go of his guard, so he did not force it. He said, "I have dealt with those things in the sky before. They are very difficult to deal with. If they break through the protection of the imperial city and come in, there will be chaos. So now I am looking for people to help set up a defense formation. I need 500 people."

Tianyankai was shocked: "Five hundred people?! What kind of formation do you have? It requires so many people! I've never heard of it before?"

Xie Lian was too embarrassed to say that 500 people was the minimum requirement. In fact, if he had to say it freely, it would probably take 800 people. The magicians also spoke in unison: "I haven't heard of it either. Has anyone seen a record of it in a book?" "Are those things so powerful?" "I've only heard of goblins eating 500 people in one bite, but I've never heard of setting up a formation that requires so many people." "Is it dangerous?"

After careful consideration, Xie Lian said truthfully, “It’s hard to say. Maybe it’s possible, maybe not. I’m only 70% to 80% sure. Because, I’ve never tried this formation before.”

It is impossible to find the records of the predecessors, because Xie Lian did not read this formation from a book or learn it from anyone, but he thought about it while walking for more than 800 years, thinking about what to do if the human face plague broke out again one day, would he just sit and wait for death? At that time, he did not really think that he would face this big crisis again in the future, but he did not expect that it would come in handy.

The group of people over there discussed for a long time. Finally, Tianyankai turned around and said cautiously: "We can't gather so many people. And..."

Moreover, they did not trust Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

This was also something that could not be helped. After all, they had no idea what the human-faced plague was or how powerful it was. In addition, Hua Cheng must have had many enemies with them and treated them like insects in the past. Xie Lian originally thought that these people were all mages and should have their own sects and disciples. Maybe they could gather three or four hundred people together, and then find a way to deal with the rest. But it seemed that his hope was dashed.

Hua Cheng said: "Brother, there is no need to waste time talking to them. Let's go."

Xie Lian nodded, and walked with him without getting discouraged. However, Tianyankai and the others did not leave, but followed them stealthily, thinking they were hiding well. Xie Lian was speechless, but thought that this group of mages probably followed them because they were afraid that they would cause trouble to the imperial city, and they were kind-hearted, and thought it was funny, so he didn't care. At this time, Hua Cheng suggested: "Why not go to the place where the poor gather, there are no shortage of desperate criminals and daring people there, maybe we can get something."

So the two of them turned and walked towards the dark part of the imperial city. They walked to a tattered temple and took a look. There were people sleeping all over the place in the temple, and even outside the temple. They seemed to be a group of homeless people, or beggars. It was freezing cold, and almost all of them were ragged. There were men, women, old and young, and they didn't avoid each other. Some of them occupied a broken straw mat, some hugged straw to keep warm, and some simply slept on the ground. Those who were awake were either groaning in pain from the sores on their bodies or picking lice on their bodies. There was also a person dragging a lame leg around in the temple, seemingly delivering a bowl of water to a patient. Before entering, a smell of sweat and strange smells wafted out, which was suffocating.

The most prosperous area and the most filthy and run-down slum are so close to each other, almost separated by only one street. The contrast between the two is really sad, but Xie Lian certainly has no time to sigh at this moment. He stepped into the door and said, "Can you help me?" @无限好文，全部在Jinjiang文学城

Before anyone could reply, someone started yelling, "Help your mother! I need help! Can't you let me sleep? Get lost!"

Xie Lian was not angry either, and said, “It is a very important matter. If you are willing to lend a hand, it will definitely… definitely benefit the people!”

He originally wanted to say that he would give a generous reward, so of course he would, but if he went there for the "generous reward" from the beginning, it could be said that his mind was not pure. The beggars in the temple cursed even more fiercely: "I don't care about benefiting the people!" Someone asked: "Is there any reward?"

Xie Lian looked back and saw Hua Cheng’s eyes flashing with displeasure, as if he was about to do something ruthless. He quickly pulled him back and whispered, “Don’t do that yet. Sanlang, as you said, coercion and bribery won’t work. I’ll talk to him nicely. There are seventy or eighty people here, so we can always find a few who can be used.”

The strange light in Hua Cheng's eyes finally disappeared. At this time, a hoarse voice said, "Hey, hey, hey! Everyone, listen to me! Listen to me! Stop arguing! Let him tell you what's going on first!"

Xie Lian turned around after hearing this, and saw that the person who spoke was the lame beggar. He was also ragged, unkempt, thin, and could not see his appearance clearly, but he seemed quite young from his voice. He waved to the people in the temple, but strangely, he only waved one hand, so the gesture was a bit awkward. The beggars seemed to listen to him, and the cursing became weaker. Xie Lian said, “Thank you!” Without further ado, he backhanded a palm flame that jumped up high, scaring the beggars so much that they screamed and shrieked. Those who were still asleep woke up and said, “What kind of magic is this?!”

Xie Lian said solemnly, “It’s not a sorcery, it’s an immortal sorcery, it just proves what I said is true. To be honest, a large number of demons and ghosts have surrounded the imperial city and are about to attack. We need 500 people to volunteer to join the magic circle and protect the imperial city. Who is willing to come? I won’t hide it. You may encounter danger, but I will never force you. I only ask for volunteers!”

“…”

There was a moment of silence in the dilapidated temple. The beggars looked at each other, but no one stood up and said that they were willing. After a while, one of them said, "Protecting the Imperial City? Forget it."

Xie Lian turned his head to look, and saw the man falling headfirst, muttering to himself, “The Imperial City doesn’t even protect me, so why should I protect the Imperial City? You can do whatever you want, it’s none of my business!”

His tone was indifferent and filled with anger. Xie Lian could understand this, but this was difficult to deal with. Obviously, the temple was filled with poor people who were in similar circumstances to this man, and had similar ideas to him. He didn't say there would be any reward, and his life in the imperial city was not that good, so why would he go to help at this time? It was freezing cold in the temple in the middle of winter, who would want to go out?

Xie Lian tried to make a final effort and said, “If those things invade the imperial city, a terrible plague will break out, and everyone will be affected in the end.”

An old beggar lying on the ground said, "What plague could be more frightening than this old sore on my body?"

"If there really is a plague, then we can just leave. We don't have to stay here, and it's not a good place. It doesn't matter where we go."

"Then let those wealthy and respectable masters and young ladies in the imperial city go. There will always be someone else to go, why do we have to go?"

“This…” Xie Lian couldn’t explain it. Those wealthy and respectable masters and young ladies would also think this way: If I don’t go, someone else will. Moreover, because they have a family business and a foundation in the imperial city, when faced with danger, they have more things to be reluctant to give up, so this thought will be stronger. It’s not that thinking this way is wrong or bad, but if everyone thinks this way, things can’t be done.

After waiting for a while and seeing no one coming out, Xie Lian said decisively, “Okay. Sorry for disturbing you.”

He turned and left the ruined temple. Hua Cheng said, "Don't worry, brother. I have people taking action here too. We'll be able to find enough people once the news spreads."

Xie Lian nodded. He wasn’t worried about not being able to find 500 people in the end, but he was worried that he wouldn’t have enough time, and that catching people to make up the numbers would be counterproductive. He looked up at the sky, and the wisps of black clouds were still covering the sky, making it hard to predict.

At this moment, a voice suddenly rang out from behind: "Wait! Wait, wait! - I'm going!"

Hearing this, Xie Lian was startled and turned around abruptly. He saw the lame beggar dragging one leg and jumping out of the temple gate, saying, "Do you want to find someone who is alive or something? Is it okay if his hands and feet are broken?"

It turned out that the man's movements looked awkward because not only did he have a lame leg, but he also had a broken arm, which hung limply.

Seeing that someone finally took the initiative to come forward, Xie Lian’s heart warmed up and he immediately said, “That’s absolutely no problem!”

The man was also quite straightforward and said, "That's great! Take me with you!"

The beggars in the temple were shocked: "What are you doing??? Didn't you listen to him? It could be dangerous!"

"Yeah! And they didn't even pay me. They didn't mention any compensation after talking for so long!"

"Don't get involved in this mess, Lao Feng, come back soon!"

“…”

Since just now, Xie Lian has been thinking that this person is very familiar. But because this person's appearance is too different from the one he remembered, and his voice is also slightly hoarse and different, he just didn't recognize him. And when he heard someone blurt out the word "wind", he finally woke up.

Xie Lian stared at him closely and said in disbelief: “…Master Fengshi???”

The beggar laughed, stretched out his hand to push the black hair off his face, and said, "You recognized me, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Under the dirty black hair, a pair of extremely bright eyes are as clear as ever.